Grid-Side Converter Reconfiguration With Medium-Frequency Transformers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The design and manufacturing of grid-side power converter systems for multi-system electric locomotives are challenging due to high volume, weight, and cost, as well as complexity in adapting to different railway power supply systems, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a processing method and apparatus that utilizes a modular medium-voltage converter with medium-frequency transformers and an n+x redundant design, allowing sub-modules to be connected in series and parallel configurations to adapt to various power supply systems, reducing the need for traditional transformers and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grid-side power converter systems are designed to adapt to multiple railway power supply systems, then the system can operate under different voltages and frequencies, but the volume, weight, and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The grid-side power converter system is divided into multiple independent sub-modules, each capable of operating with different transformer configurations. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different power supply systems by activating only the necessary sub-modules, rather than designing a single heavy system for all scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal power converter architecture that can handle multiple railway power supply systems (25kV/50Hz, 15kV/16.7Hz, 3kV DC, 1.5kV DC) through a common platform with reconfigurable sub-modules, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each voltage/frequency combination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grid-side power converter systems are designed to adapt to multiple railway power supply systems, then the system can operate under different voltages and frequencies, but the manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into standardized sub-modules, each with specific transformer configurations for different power supply systems, the manufacturing process becomes more efficient. Mass production of identical sub-modules reduces per-unit costs compared to custom-building complete systems for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in transformer design (different voltage ratios, frequency optimizations) within standardized sub-modules to accommodate different power supply systems, allowing cost-effective manufacturing through parameter variation rather than complete redesign.
3Power
If traditional transformers are used in the grid-side power converter system, then the system can handle power conversion, but the volume and weight of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion function is distributed across multiple smaller sub-modules with compact transformers, rather than using a single large transformer. This segmentation reduces the overall volume by optimizing the size of each individual transformer for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs medium-frequency transformers that operate at higher frequencies, allowing for smaller magnetic core sizes while maintaining the same power transformation capability, thus reducing volume in the spatial dimension.
4Power
If traditional transformers are used in the grid-side power converter system, then the system can handle power conversion, but the weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes medium-frequency transformers that operate at higher frequencies, which dramatically reduces the weight of magnetic components while maintaining the same power conversion capability, addressing the weight concern directly.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the power conversion into multiple smaller sub-modules with lightweight medium-frequency transformers, the total weight is reduced compared to a single traditional low-frequency transformer system.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the volume and weight of the grid-side power converter system, lowers manufacturing costs, and improves reliability by eliminating the need for traditional transformers and enabling efficient operation across different railway power supply systems.
Implementation Method 1
a modular medium-voltage converter with medium-frequency transformers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Provided are a processing method and apparatus for a grid-side power converter system of a multi-system electric locomotive. The method includes that: a target railway power supply system of a multi-system electric locomotive is determined (S101); under the target railway power supply system, input ports of sub-modules equipped with a medium-frequency transformer in the grid-side power converter system are connected in a target manner (S102); and after the input ports of sub-modules are connected in the target manner, the grid-side power converter system is connected to the railway power supply grid and to the ground respectively (S103). By the method, the problems in the related technology of large volume and weight, and high manufacturing difficulty and cost of a transformer required for the grid-side power converter system of the multi-system electric locomotive are solved.